Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT

TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported) April 27, 2010

 

 

Lazard Ltd

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

Bermuda

(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)

 

001-32492   98-0437848
(Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton, Bermuda   HM 11
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)

441-295-1422

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 

 


Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On April 27, 2010, Lazard Ltd issued a press release announcing financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended March 31, 2010. A copy of Lazard Ltd’s press release containing this information is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities under that Section and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of Lazard Ltd under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Report on Form 8-K:

 

99.1

   Press Release issued on April 27, 2010.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report on Form 8-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: April 27, 2010

 

LAZARD LTD
By:   /S/    SCOTT D. HOFFMAN
Name:   Scott D. Hoffman
Title:   Managing Director and General Counsel


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

99.1    Press Release issued on April 27, 2010.
Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

 

Media contacts:      Investor contacts:
Judi Frost Mackey, +1 212 632 1428      Michael J. Castellano, +1 212 632 8262
judi.mackey@lazard.com      Chief Financial Officer
Richard Creswell, +44 207 187 2305      Investor Relations, +1 212 632 2685
richard.creswell@lazard.com      or 1 877 266 8601(US only)
     investorrelations@lazard.com

LAZARD LTD REPORTS FIRST-QUARTER 2010 RESULTS

Highlights

 

 

Net income per share(a) of $0.46 for the first quarter of 2010, on a fully exchanged basis(b) and before special charges(c)

 

 

Operating revenue increased 67% to a first-quarter record of $456.9 million, compared to $272.9 million for the first quarter of 2009, with both Financial Advisory and Asset Management also reporting first-quarter record revenue

 

 

M&A and Strategic Advisory operating revenue of $147.6 million for the first quarter of 2010 increased 53% over the 2009 first quarter; Restructuring operating revenue of $100.2 million for the first quarter of 2010 increased 64% over the first quarter of 2009

 

 

Asset Management operating revenue of $183.7 million increased 78% over the first quarter of 2009; Assets Under Management increased 66% to $135.0 billion at March 31, 2010, from $81.1 billion at March 31, 2009, and increased 4% compared to $129.5 billion at December 31, 2009; management fees increased 73%; achieved net inflows of $3.0 billion for the 2010 first quarter

 

 

Compensation expense ratio(e) decreased to 60.3% for the first quarter of 2010 compared to 71.8% for the full year of 2009 and compared to 74.6% in the first quarter of 2009; lowered non-compensation expense ratio(f) to 18.3%, compared to 20.8% for the full year of 2009 and 26.7% for the first quarter of 2009

NEW YORK, April 27, 2010 – Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2010. Net income on a fully exchanged basis was $61.4 million, or $0.46 per share (diluted), for the first quarter of 2010, excluding previously announced pre-tax special charges totaling $112.0 million(c), compared to a net loss of $29.7 million, or $(0.26) per share (diluted), excluding a pre-tax special charge of $62.6 million(d), for the first quarter of 2009.

Net income, on a U.S. GAAP basis, which is before exchange of exchangeable interests, and including the special charges, was a loss of $33.5 million, or $(0.38) per share, for the first quarter of 2010, compared to a net loss of $53.5 million, or $(0.77) per share (diluted), for the first quarter of 2009.

 

 

(a )

Refers to net income or loss attributable to Lazard Ltd.

(b )

Refers to the full conversion of all outstanding exchangeable interests held by the members of LAZ-MD holdings and is a non-GAAP measure.

(c)

Refers to previously announced pre-tax charges during the first quarter of 2010 of $87.1 million as a result of staff reductions, and a $24.9 million non-cash special charge related to the implementation and amendment of a previously approved retirement policy which accelerated the accounting for certain deferred stock awards.

(d)

Refers to a $62.6 million pre-tax charge during the first quarter of 2009 as a result of staff reductions and realignments.

(e)

Refers to compensation expense excluding a $24.9 million charge as described in footnote (c) above.

(f)

Refers to non-compensation expense excluding the amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions.


A reconciliation of the U.S. GAAP results to the adjusted results is presented on page 11 of this release.

Lazard believes that results assuming full exchange of outstanding exchangeable interests and excluding special charges provide the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods.

Operating Revenue and Operating Income

Operating revenue was a first-quarter record of $456.9 million for the first quarter of 2010, a 67% increase over $272.9 million for the first quarter of 2009. Operating income was $77.5 million for the 2010 first quarter, compared to an operating loss of $28.2 million for the first quarter of 2009, excluding special charges in both periods.

The Company’s quarterly revenue and profits can fluctuate materially depending on the number, size and timing of completed transactions on which it advised, as well as seasonality and other factors. Accordingly, the revenue and profits in any particular quarter may not be indicative of future results. As such, Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful.

Comments

“Our first quarter results, with 67% operating revenue growth over the same 2009 period, show continued strength and momentum in both our Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses as we enter the gradual upturn of the next cycle,” said Kenneth M. Jacobs, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lazard. “Our M&A advisory business has gained significant global market share over the past year, and our Restructuring and Sovereign Debt advisory businesses continue to lead the industry in the US and Europe. Our Asset Management business achieved its best first quarter ever for operating revenue and continues to report positive net inflows.”

“We have maintained our focus on lowering compensation and non-compensation expenses,” said Michael J. Castellano, Chief Financial Officer of Lazard. “Compensation expense increased 35% compared to the 67% growth in revenue, consistent with our stated goal of growing revenues at a faster rate than our compensation expense on an annual basis. We reduced our compensation and non-compensation expense ratios in the quarter to 60.3%, excluding the special charge, and 18.3%, respectively.”

Revenue

Financial Advisory

Financial Advisory operating revenue increased 65% to a first-quarter record of $269.1 million, compared to $163.5 million for the first quarter of 2009.

Lazard’s Financial Advisory business of M&A and Strategic Advisory, Restructuring, and Capital Markets and Other Advisory encompasses general strategic and transaction-specific advice to public and private companies, governments and other parties, and includes various corporate finance advisory services. Some of our assignments and, therefore, related revenue, are not reflected in publicly available statistical information.

M&A and Strategic Advisory

M&A and Strategic Advisory operating revenue was $147.6 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $96.5 million for the first quarter of 2009. M&A and Strategic Advisory operating revenue generally does not include M&A fees for the sale of distressed assets, which are recognized in Restructuring operating revenue.

 

- 2 -


Among the transactions completed during the first quarter of 2010 on which Lazard advised were the following:

 

   

Kraft Foods’ $21.6 billion acquisition of Cadbury

 

   

Kraft Foods’ $3.7 billion sale of its North American pizza business to Nestlé

 

   

Océ’s €1.5 billion sale to Canon

 

   

Cazenove Group’s £1.0 billion sale to J.P. Morgan

 

   

Nortel’s $769 million sale of its Optical Networking and Carrier Ethernet businesses to Ciena

 

   

FGX International’s $565 million sale to Essilor International

 

   

Lincoln Financial’s $452 million sale of Delaware Investments to Macquarie

 

   

Sensor Technologies’ $242 million sale to ManTech

 

   

ING’s sale of three of its US independent retail broker-dealer units to Lightyear Capital

 

   

Marken Group Limited’s sale to a consortium comprising funds advised by Apax Partners and company management

 

   

Carilion Labs’ merger with Spectrum Laboratory Network

Among the pending, publicly announced M&A transactions on which Lazard advised in the first quarter, continued to advise, or completed since March 31, 2010, are the following:

 

   

BHP Billiton’s $58.0 billion Western Australian iron ore production joint venture with Rio Tinto

 

   

Prudential plc’s $35.5 billion acquisition of AIA Group

 

   

Qwest’s $22.4 billion merger with CenturyLink

 

   

Coca-Cola Enterprises’ $14.4 billion sale of its North American Operations to The Coca-Cola Company and related transactions

 

   

Newcrest Mining’s PGK22.9 billion proposed combination with Lihir Gold

 

   

AREVA’s €4.1 billion sale of its transmission and distribution business

 

   

Deutsche Bahn’s £2.6bn bid for Arriva

 

   

Cisco’s NOK 19.0 billion acquisition of Tandberg

 

   

Royal Bank of Scotland’s $1.7 billion sale of RBS Sempra Commodities’ Metals, Oil and European Energy business lines to J.P. Morgan

 

   

NII Holdings’ $1.4 billion sale of a 30% stake in Nextel Mexico to Grupo Televisa

 

   

Protection One’s $828 million sale to GTCR

 

   

Chinatrust Financial’s $660 million acquisition of a 30% stake in AIG’s Nan Shan Life from China Strategic Holdings

 

   

Telefónica’s €400 million sale of its 32% stake in Medi Telecom (Méditel)

 

   

Eurasian Natural Resources’ (Independent Directors) $300 million acquisition of Chambishi Metals and Comit Resources

 

   

Nortel’s $282 million sale of Carrier VoIP and Application Solutions business

 

   

OSI Pharmaceuticals on the unsolicited approach by Astellas Pharma

 

   

Société Nationale d’Investissement’s (SNI) acquisition of the remaining 65% stake of Omnium Nord Africain and COPROPAR’s concurrent acquisition of the remaining 40% stake in SNI

 

   

France Telecom’s and Orascom Telecom’s agreement on Mobinil and ECMS

 

   

France Telecom in the merger of Orange Switzerland and Sunrise

 

   

Veolia Environnement in the merger of its Veolia Transport division with Transdev

 

- 3 -


Restructuring

Restructuring operating revenue was $100.2 million, compared to $60.9 million for the first quarter of 2009 and compared to $103.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2009. Restructuring operating revenue reflects continued restructuring advisory activity in the US and Europe as well as fees for advising on distressed asset sales.

Over the past decade, Lazard’s global restructuring team, paired with its M&A industry specialist bankers, has advised on more than 450 restructurings worldwide, with an aggregate value over $1 trillion. The firm has been recognized as having the world’s leading restructuring group, including receiving numerous awards, such as Euromoney’s “Best Global Corporate Restructuring House” and IFR’s “Americas Restructuring House” for 2009.

Completed first-quarter 2010 Restructuring assignments include advising Pacific Energy Resources and R.H. Donnelley in connection with their Chapter 11 filings.

Notable Chapter 11 bankruptcies, on which Lazard advised debtors or creditors during or since the first quarter of 2010, are:

 

   

Automotive: Cooper-Standard

 

   

Chemicals: Chemtura, Lyondell

 

   

Consumer Goods: Eddie Bauer

 

   

Gaming, Entertainment and Hospitality: Six Flags, Station Casinos, Tropicana Entertainment, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Twin River Casino

 

   

Paper and Packaging: AbitibiBowater, Smurfit-Stone Container, White Birch Paper Company, Xerium Technologies

 

   

Professional/Financial Services: Lehman Brothers

 

   

Real Estate/Property Development: Capmark Financial, Crescent Resources, Extended Stay Hotels, TOUSA

 

   

Technology/Media/Telecom: Citadel Broadcasting Group, MIG Inc., Nortel, Tribune Co.

Among other publicly announced restructuring and debt advisory assignments on which Lazard has advised during or since the first quarter of 2010, are:

 

   

Alternative Hotel Group on its debt restructuring

 

   

Bavaria Yachtbau on its debt restructuring

 

   

Belvédère – advising the FRN noteholder committee

 

   

Chargeurs on its debt maturity rescheduling and convertible bonds issuance

 

   

EEMS on its debt restructuring

 

   

Gala Coral on its debt restructuring

 

   

Global Garden Products – advised the coordinating committee of senior and second lien lenders in the company’s restructuring

 

   

Grupo Alfonso Gallardo on the extension of certain debt facilities and new financing

 

   

Grupo Reyal Urbis on its debt restructuring

 

   

Highstreet on its debt restructuring

 

   

Inmobiliaria Colonial on its debt restructuring

 

   

Italtel on its debt restructuring

 

   

Jost on its debt restructuring

 

   

JSC Alliance Bank on its debt restructuring

 

   

Lucchini on the refinancing of its current indebtedness

 

- 4 -


   

Medica France on its IPO related debt renegotiation

 

   

Polynt on its debt restructuring and covenant reset

 

   

Republic of Côte d’Ivoire – on its bond exchange offer

 

   

SGD on its debt restructuring

 

   

TAS Group on its debt restructuring and capital increase

 

   

Thomson – advising US private placement noteholders in the company’s restructuring

 

   

Trident Resources – advised company’s senior lenders on debt restructuring

Capital Markets and Other Advisory

Capital Markets and Other Advisory operating revenue was $21.3 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $6.1 million for the first quarter of 2009.

Assignments in the first quarter of 2010 included advising on:

 

 

IPOs: Baltic Trading

 

 

Follow-on offerings: Aegean Marine Petroleum Network, Art Technology Group, Broadwind Energy, Concho Resources, HeartWare International, Navios Maritime Partners

 

 

Convertible and convertible exchange transactions: Forest City Enterprises, Powerwave Technologies

 

 

PIPEs, Registered Directs, Underwritten Registered Directs and Private Placements as well as other convertible and capital markets transactions: Amonix, Capstone Turbine Corporation, Discovery Laboratories, Harvest Natural Resources, NGAS Resources, Synta Pharmaceuticals, Virgin America and XOMA

Asset Management

Asset Management operating revenue was a first-quarter record of $183.7 million, compared to $102.9 million for the 2009 first quarter, an increase of 78%.

Assets Under Management at March 31, 2010, were $135.0 billion, representing a 66% increase over Assets Under Management of $81.1 billion at March 31, 2009, and a 4% increase over Assets Under Management of $129.5 billion at December 31, 2009. The increase for the 2010 first quarter includes net inflows of $3.0 billion. At March 31, 2010, approximately 83% of Lazard’s AUM was invested in equities and 13% in fixed income.

Average Assets Under Management were $132.3 billion for the first quarter of 2010, representing a 54% increase over average Assets Under Management of $86.1 billion for the first quarter of 2009, and a 6% increase compared to $124.9 billion for the fourth quarter of 2009.

Management fees increased 73% to $161.8 million for the first quarter of 2010, the second highest quarter of management fees for the firm, compared to $93.5 million for the 2009 first quarter.

Incentive fees were $13.8 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $5.4 million for the comparable period in 2009. Incentive fees are recorded on the measurement date, which for most of our alternative strategies that are subject to incentive fees occurs in the fourth quarter.

Other Asset Management operating revenue was $8.1 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $4.0 million for the first quarter of 2009. The increase in the 2010 period was due to investment losses in the 2009 respective period, which did not occur in 2010, and to increased commission income.

 

- 5 -


Our Asset Management business provides investment management and advisory services to governments, institutions, financial intermediaries, private clients and investment vehicles around the world. Our goal in our Asset Management business is to produce superior risk-adjusted investment returns and provide investment solutions customized for our clients. Asset Management includes the management of equity and fixed income securities as well as alternative investment and private equity funds.

Expenses

Compensation and Benefits

The accrual for compensation and benefits expense, excluding the special charge described below, includes base salaries and benefits, amortization of deferred incentive awards and estimated year-end discretionary cash incentive compensation. The accrual was $275.5 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $203.5 million for the first quarter of 2009, and represented a 35% increase, compared to the 67% increase in operating revenue. The ratio of compensation and benefits expense to operating revenue, excluding the special charge, was 60.3% for the first quarter of 2010, compared to 74.6% for the first quarter of 2009. The reduction in the compensation ratio is primarily due to execution on our previously announced goal to grow annual compensation expense at a slower rate than operating revenues, and to achieve over the cycle compensation levels on average consistent with the targets established at the time we went public in 2005.

During the first quarter of 2010, as previously announced, we implemented and amended a previously approved retirement policy, which accelerated the amortization of certain deferred stock awards and resulted in a non-cash pre-tax special charge of $24.9 million.

Non-Compensation

The ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue, excluding amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions, was 18.3% in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 26.7% in the respective 2009 period. The lower ratio of non-compensation expense to operating revenue was due primarily to the operating leverage from the 67% increase in operating revenue compared to a 14.7% increase in such adjusted non-compensation expense.

Total non-compensation expense increased 17% to $85.2 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $73.1 million for the first quarter of 2009, including amortization of intangibles related to acquisitions of $1.8 million and $0.3 million in the respective periods. Other factors contributing to the quarter-over-quarter increase include higher business development expenses for travel and market related data and fund administration expenses related to the increased level of business activity and assets under management.

The percentage of non-compensation expenses to operating revenue can vary from quarter to quarter due to quarterly fluctuation in revenues, among other things. Accordingly, the results in a particular quarter may not be indicative of future results. Lazard management believes that annual results are the most meaningful basis for comparison.

 

- 6 -


Restructuring Expense

As previously announced, we selectively planned to reduce staffing during the first quarter of 2010 to further optimize our mix of personnel, create greater efficiency, productivity and shareholder value, while simultaneously maintaining a program to selectively hire senior bankers and Asset Management professionals. As a result, we expected to record a pre-tax charge of approximately $90 million in the first quarter of 2010. Of that $90 million charge, we have to date taken a pre-tax charge of $87.1 million from reductions made during the first quarter. The charge included (i) severance and benefit payments, (ii) a non-cash charge of $47 million relating to restricted stock units previously granted to individuals who were terminated, and (iii) certain other expenses related to the restructuring initiative.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes, on a fully exchanged basis, was $13.7 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to $2.5 million for the first quarter of 2009, excluding the effects of special charges in each period. The effective tax rate on the same basis for the first quarter of 2010 was 18.2%, exclusive of noncontrolling interests. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2009 was not meaningful due to the pre-tax loss.

Noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests, on a fully exchanged basis, amounted to $2.4 million for the first quarter of 2010, compared to a net loss of $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2009. Noncontrolling interests, on a fully exchanged basis, principally represents interests that the Company is deemed to control but not own in (i) various LAM-related general partnerships and (ii) in Edgewater management vehicles acquired during the third quarter of 2009.

Liquidity, Capital Resources and Other Items

Lazard continues to maintain a strong liquidity position with over $900 million at March 31, 2010, in cash, US Government and agency securities, and marketable equity securities.

At March 31, 2010, total stockholders’ equity related to Lazard’s interests was $398 million, which includes negative adjustments to total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss during the first quarter of 2010, due primarily to (i) net negative foreign currency translation adjustments of $21.4 million, and (ii) net unrealized gains of $4.0 million related to securities designated as available for sale.

Non-GAAP Information

Lazard discloses certain non-GAAP financial information, which management believes provides the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods. The following are non-GAAP measures used in the accompanying financial information:

 

   

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd, assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests (or fully exchanged basis) and excluding special items

 

   

Net income (loss) assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests (or fully exchanged basis) and excluding special items

 

   

Operating revenue

 

   

Operating income, excluding special items

 

   

Noncontrolling interests assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

 

- 7 -


   

Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests and excluding special items

 

   

Net income (loss) per share, assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests and excluding special items

 

   

Provision (benefit) for income taxes on a fully exchanged basis

 

   

Net income (loss) attributable to LAZ-MD

 

   

Net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests

Additional financial, statistical and business-related information is included in a financial supplement. This earnings release, the financial supplement and selected transaction information will be available today on our website at www.lazard.com.

*     *     *

Lazard, one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 41 cities across 26 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating back to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, strategic matters, restructuring and capital structure, capital raising and corporate finance, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments and individuals. For more information on Lazard, please visit www.lazard.com.

*     *     *

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may”, “might”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent only our belief regarding future results, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

These factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K under Item 1A “Risk Factors,” and also disclosed from time to time in reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K including the following:

 

   

A decline in general economic conditions or the global financial markets;

 

   

Losses caused by financial or other problems experienced by third parties;

 

   

Losses due to unidentified or unanticipated risks;

 

   

A lack of liquidity, i.e., ready access to funds, for use in our businesses; and

 

   

Competitive pressure.

*     *     *

Lazard Ltd is committed to providing timely and accurate information to the investing public, consistent with our legal and regulatory obligations. To that end, Lazard and its operating companies use their websites to convey information about their businesses, including the anticipated release of quarterly financial results, quarterly financial, statistical and business-related information, and the posting of updates of assets under management in various hedge funds and mutual funds and other investment products managed by Lazard Asset Management LLC and its subsidiaries. Monthly updates of these funds will be posted to the Lazard Asset Management website (www.lazardnet.com) on the third business day following the end of each month. Investors can link to Lazard and its operating company websites through www.lazard.com.

###

 

- 8 -


LAZARD LTD

OPERATING REVENUE

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2010     2009     % Change  
     ($ in thousands)  

Financial Advisory

      

M&A and Strategic Advisory

   $ 147,557      $ 96,474      53

Restructuring

     100,188        60,929      64

Capital Markets & Other Advisory

     21,331        6,094      250
                  

Total

     269,076        163,497      65

Asset Management

      

Management Fees

     161,796        93,500      73

Incentive Fees

     13,787        5,435      154

Other Revenue

     8,147        4,000      104
                  

Total

     183,730        102,935      78
                  

Core Operating Business Revenue (a)

     452,806        266,432      70

Corporate

     4,104        6,473      (37 )% 
                  

Operating Revenue (b)

     456,910        272,905      67

Revenue (loss) related to noncontrolling interests (c)

     4,339        (1,070  

Other Interest Expense

     (23,038     (23,440  
                  

Net Revenue

   $ 438,211      $ 248,395      76
                  

 

(a) Core operating business revenue includes the results of Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses and excludes the results of Corporate.
(b) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue (loss) relating to noncontrolling interests, each of which are included in net revenue.
(c) Represents the revenues related to noncontrolling interests other than LAZ-MD in which the company has no economic interest.

 

- 9 -


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2010     2009     % Change  
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)  

Total revenue (a)

   $ 459,469      $ 276,922      66

LFB interest expense

     (2,559     (4,017  
                  

Operating revenue

     456,910        272,905      67

Revenue (loss) related to noncontrolling interests

     4,339        (1,070  

Other interest expense

     (23,038     (23,440  
                  

Net revenue

     438,211        248,395      76

Operating expenses:

      

Compensation and benefits

     300,377        203,532      48

Occupancy and equipment

     21,270        20,094     

Marketing and business development

     15,603        13,453     

Technology and information services

     17,652        15,922     

Professional services

     8,171        8,189     

Fund administration and outsourced services

     11,374        7,746     

Amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions

     1,770        344     

Other

     9,367        7,334     
                  

Total non-compensation expense

     85,207        73,082      17

Restructuring expense (b)

     87,108        62,550     
                  

Operating expenses

     472,692        339,164      39
                  

Operating loss

     (34,481     (90,769   62

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     6,413        (4,175   NM   
                  

Net loss

     (40,894     (86,594   53

Net loss attributable to LAZ-MD

     (9,719     (32,027  

Net income (loss) attributable to other noncontrolling interests

     2,359        (1,071  
                  

Net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ (33,534   $ (53,496   37
                  

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

      

Weighted average shares outstanding (c):

      

Basic

     89,736,137        70,144,338      28

Diluted

     89,736,137        70,144,338      28

Net loss per share:

      

Basic

   $ (0.38   $ (0.77  

Diluted

   $ (0.38   $ (0.77  

Supplemental Information Assuming Full Exchange of Exchangeable Interests and excluding Special Charges (d):

      

Compensation and benefits excluding special charges

   $ 275,517      $ 203,532      35
                  

Operating income (loss) excluding special charges

   $ 77,487      $ (28,219   NM   
                  

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests and excluding special charges

   $ 61,431      $ (29,691   NM   
                  

Attributable to Lazard Ltd Common Stockholders:

      

Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests and excluding special charges (e):

      

Basic

     120,146,231        116,012,322      4

Diluted

     136,518,694        116,012,322      18

Net income (loss) per share - assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests and excluding special charges:

      

Basic

   $ 0.51      $ (0.26  

Diluted

   $ 0.46      $ (0.26  

Ratio of compensation to operating revenue (f)

     60.3     74.6  

Ratio of non-compensation to operating revenue (g)

     18.3     26.7  

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

and Reconciliation of US GAAP Results to Full Exchange Excluding Special Charges

 

- 10 -


LAZARD LTD

RECONCILIATION OF U.S. GAAP RESULTS TO FULL EXCHANGE EXCLUDING SPECIAL CHARGES (d)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2010     2009  
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)  
Compensation & Benefits     

Compensation & benefits - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ 300,377      $ 203,532   

Adjustments to exclude special charges (d):

    

Acceleration of restricted stock unit vesting related to retirement policy change

     (24,860     —     
                

Compensation & benefits excluding special charges

   $ 275,517      $ 203,532   
                
Operating Income (Loss)     

Operating income (loss) - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ (34,481   $ (90,769

Adjustments to exclude special charges (d):

    

Acceleration of restricted stock unit vesting related to retirement policy change

     24,860        —     

Restructuring expense

     87,108        62,550   
                

Operating income (loss) excluding special charges

   $ 77,487      $ (28,219
                
Net Income (Loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd     

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd - U.S. GAAP Basis

   $ (33,534   $ (53,496

Adjustments to exclude special charges (d):

    

Acceleration of restricted stock unit vesting related to retirement policy (net of tax benefit of $1,363)

     23,497        —     

Restructuring expense (net of tax benefit of $5,680 in 2010 and $6,401 in 2009)

     81,428        56,149   

Net loss attributable to LAZ-MD

     (24,388     (21,075

Adjustment for full exchange of exchangeable interests (e):

    

Tax adjustment for full exchange

     (242     (317

Amount attributable to LAZ-MD

     14,670        (10,952
                

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd excluding special charges and assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

   $ 61,431      $ (29,691
                

Diluted net income (loss) per share (c):

    

U.S. GAAP Basis - Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ (0.38   $ (0.77

Net income (loss) assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests and excluding special charges

   $ 0.46      $ (0.26

This presentation includes non-GAAP measures. Our non-GAAP measures are not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP measures, and should be read only in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. For a detailed explanation of the adjustments made to comparable GAAP measures, see item (d) in notes to unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and reconciliation of US GAAP results to full exchange excluding special charges. Lazard believes that results assuming full exchange of outstanding exchangeable interests and excluding special charges provides the most meaningful basis for comparison among present, historical and future periods.

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

and Reconciliation of US GAAP Results to Full Exchange Excluding Special Charges

 

- 11 -


LAZARD LTD

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

and Reconciliation of US GAAP Results to Full Exchange Excluding Special Charges

 

(a) Excludes revenue/(loss) related to noncontrolling interests.
(b) Expenses related to severance, benefits and other charges in the three month period ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 in connection with the reduction and realignment of staff.
(c) See “Reconciliation of Shares Outstanding and Basic & Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Share”.
(d) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010, special charges consist of (i) the expenses related to the reduction and realignment of staff noted in (b) above and (ii) a charge aggregating $24,860 recorded to compensation and benefits expense in connection with the accelerated vesting of restricted stock units related to the Company’s change in retirement policy.
(e) Represents a reversal of noncontrolling interests related to LAZ-MD Holdings’ ownership of Lazard Group common membership interests net of an adjustment for Lazard Ltd entity-level taxes to effect a full exchange of interests and excluding the items noted in (d) above (see “Reconciliation of US GAAP to Full Exchange Excluding Special Charges”).
(f) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010, excludes the charges noted in (d) above.
(g) Excludes the amortization of intangible assets related to acquisitions for the three month ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.
NM Not meaningful

 

- 12 -


LAZARD LTD

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

($ in thousands)

 

     March 31,     December 31,  
     2010     2009  
ASSETS   

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 704,107      $ 917,329   

Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash

     18,973        20,217   

Receivables

     727,350        669,475   

Investments (a)

    

Debt:

    

U.S. Government and agencies

     147,412        147,507   

Other

     275,693        313,342   
                
     423,105        460,849   

Equities

     80,146        82,442   

Other

     219,628        264,402   
                
     722,879        807,693   

Goodwill and other intangible assets

     316,297        317,780   

Other assets

     395,924        415,268   
                

Total Assets

   $ 2,885,530      $ 3,147,762   
                
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Liabilities

    

Deposits and other customer payables

   $ 349,718      $ 322,101   

Accrued compensation and benefits

     167,825        515,033   

Senior debt

     1,086,850        1,086,850   

Other liabilities

     562,214        550,681   

Subordinated debt

     150,000        150,000   
                

Total liabilities

     2,316,607        2,624,665   

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share:

    

Series A

     —          —     

Series B

     —          —     

Common stock, par value $.01 per share:

    

Class A

     1,014        922   

Class B

     —          —     

Additional paid-in capital

     606,392        549,931   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     (75,173     (57,048

Retained earnings

     6,160        52,726   
                
     538,393        546,531   

Class A common stock held by a subsidiary, at cost

     (140,581     (191,140
                

Total Lazard Ltd stockholders’ equity

     397,812        355,391   

Noncontrolling interests

     171,111        167,706   
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     568,923        523,097   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,885,530      $ 3,147,762   
                

 

(a) At fair value, with the exception of $148,301 and $199,188 of investments at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, at amortized cost and equity method.

 

- 13 -


LAZARD LTD

SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS

(unaudited)

 

          Three Months Ended  
     Mar. 31,    Dec. 31,     Sept. 30,    June 30,    Mar. 31,     Dec. 31,    Sept. 30,    June 30,    Mar. 31,  
     2010 (a)    2009 (b)     2009    2009    2009 (c)     2008    2008 (d)    2008    2008  
          ($ in thousands, except per share data)  

Financial Advisory

                        

M&A and Strategic Advisory

   $ 147,557    $ 170,206      $ 124,691    $ 134,855    $ 96,474      $ 192,678    $ 230,890    $ 225,108    $ 165,984   

Restructuring

     100,188      103,449        119,101      93,231      60,929        47,135      23,944      32,666      15,538   

Capital Markets & Other Advisory

     21,331      39,943        16,390      25,005      6,094        12,542      15,349      31,220      30,906   
                                                                  

Total

     269,076      313,598        260,182      253,091      163,497        252,355      270,183      288,994      212,428   

Asset Management

                        

Management Fees

     161,796      152,810        133,377      107,123      93,500        107,987      145,332      157,108      158,009   

Incentive Fees

     13,787      40,988        15,202      13,170      5,435        16,353      10,179      8,429      —     

Other Revenue

     8,147      10,324        8,769      11,273      4,000        1,018      536      13,289      10,424   
                                                                  

Total

     183,730      204,122        157,348      131,566      102,935        125,358      156,047      178,826      168,433   
                                                                  

Core operating business revenue (e)

     452,806      517,720        417,530      384,657      266,432        377,713      426,230      467,820      380,861   

Corporate

     4,104      (3,327     13,953      14,190      6,473        24,835      11,076      26,219      (39,658
                                                                  

Operating revenue (f)

   $ 456,910    $ 514,393      $ 431,483    $ 398,847    $ 272,905      $ 402,548    $ 437,306    $ 494,039    $ 341,203   
                                                                  

Operating income (loss) (g)

   $ 77,487    $ (74,550   $ 73,165    $ 56,946    $ (28,219   $ 54,093    $ 64,837    $ 87,738    $ 18,022   
                                                                  

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 47,003    $ (34,705   $ 37,418    $ 28,187    $ (18,422   $ 37,979    $ 31,671    $ 34,317    $ 7,799   
                                                                  

Net income (loss) per share attributable to Lazard Ltd

                        

Basic

   $ 0.53    $ (0.40   $ 0.47    $ 0.38    $ (0.27   $ 0.54    $ 0.48    $ 0.61    $ 0.16   

Diluted

   $ 0.46    $ (0.40   $ 0.41    $ 0.34    $ (0.27   $ 0.50    $ 0.44    $ 0.54    $ 0.14   

Supplemental Information:

                        

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

   $ 61,431    $ (54,870   $ 52,487    $ 43,145    $ (29,691   $ 61,154    $ 54,750    $ 64,570    $ 15,956   
                                                                  

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd per share assuming full exchange of exchangeable interests

                        

Basic

   $ 0.51    $ (0.46   $ 0.46    $ 0.37    $ (0.26   $ 0.52    $ 0.47    $ 0.58    $ 0.15   

Diluted

   $ 0.46    $ (0.46   $ 0.41    $ 0.34    $ (0.26   $ 0.50    $ 0.44    $ 0.54    $ 0.14   

Assets Under Management ($ millions)

   $ 134,972    $ 129,543      $ 120,185    $ 98,020    $ 81,084      $ 91,109    $ 113,287    $ 134,139    $ 134,193   

 

(a) The three month period ended March 31, 2010 represents U.S. GAAP results less restructuring expense of $87,108 and operating expenses related to the accelerated vesting of restricted stock units in connection with the company’s change in retirement policy of $24,860 and related tax effect.
(b) The three month period ended December 31, 2009 represents U.S. GAAP results less operating expenses related to the acceleration of unamortized restricted stock units previously granted to our former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the accelerated vesting of deferred cash awards previously granted of $86,514 and $60,512, respectively and related tax effect.
(c) The three month period ended March 31, 2009 represents U.S. GAAP results less restructuring expense of $62,550 and related tax effect.
(d) The three month period ended September 30, 2008 represents U.S. GAAP results less an operating expense charge of $199,550 and related tax effect in connection with the company’s purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units held by certain current and former MDs and employees of LAM.
(e) Core operating business revenue includes the results of Financial Advisory and Asset Management businesses and excludes the results of Corporate.
(f) Operating revenue excludes interest expense relating to financing activities and revenue/(loss) related to the consolidation of noncontrolling interests, each of which are included in net revenue.
(g) Operating income is after interest expense and before income taxes and noncontrolling interests.

 

- 14 -


LAZARD LTD

RECONCILIATION OF SHARES OUTSTANDING AND BASIC & DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

(unaudited)

BEFORE FULL EXCHANGE

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2010     2009  
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)  

Basic

    

Numerator:

    

Net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ (33,534   $ (53,496

Add - net loss associated with Class A common shares issuable on a non-contingent basis (a)

     (214     (815
                

Basic net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ (33,748   $ (54,311
                

Denominator:

    

Weighted average shares outstanding (a)

     89,736,137        70,144,338   
                

Basic net loss per share attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ (0.38   $ (0.77
                

Diluted

    

Numerator:

    

Basic net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ (33,748   $ (54,311

Add - dilutive effect of adjustments to income for (b):

    

Interest expense on convertible notes, net of tax

     —          —     

Noncontrolling interest in net income resulting from assumed share issuances (see incremental issuable shares in the denominator calculation below) and Ltd level income tax effect

     —          —     
                

Diluted net loss attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ (33,748   $ (54,311
                

Denominator:

    

Weighted average shares outstanding

     89,736,137        70,144,338   

Add - dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares (c):

    

Restricted stock units

     —          —     

Convertible notes

     —          —     

Series A convertible preferred stock

     —          —     

Exchangeable interests

     —          —     
                

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     89,736,137        70,144,338   
                

Diluted net loss per share attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ (0.38   $ (0.77
                

 

(a) For the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, includes 662,015 and 993,024 weighted average shares, respectively, related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to acquisitions. For the three month period ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, includes 2,247,711 and 2,201,457 weighted average shares, respectively related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units.
(b) Incremental income included if related shares are dilutive.
(c) Incremental issuable shares included if dilutive.

 

- 15 -


LAZARD LTD

RECONCILIATION OF SHARES OUTSTANDING AND BASIC & DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

ASSUMING FULL EXCHANGE OF EXCHANGEABLE INTERESTS

& EXCLUDING SPECIAL CHARGES (a)

 

     Three Months Ended March 31,  
     2010    2009  
     ($ in thousands, except per share data)  

Basic

     

Numerator:

     

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 61,431    $ (29,691

Denominator:

     

Weighted average shares outstanding (b)

     120,146,231      116,012,322   
               

Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 0.51    $ (0.26
               

Diluted

     

Numerator:

     

Net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 61,431    $ (29,691

Add dilutive effect of adjustments to income for:

     

Interest expense on convertible notes, net of tax (c)

     998      —     
               

Diluted net income (loss) attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 62,429    $ (29,691
               

Denominator:

     

Weighted average shares outstanding

     120,146,231      116,012,322   

Add - dilutive effect of incremental issuable shares (d):

     

Restricted stock units

     12,938,152      —     

Convertible notes

     2,631,570      —     

Series A convertible preferred stock (e)

     802,741      —     
               

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     136,518,694      116,012,322   
               

Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Lazard Ltd

   $ 0.46    $ (0.26
               

 

(a) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010, special charges consist of (i) the expenses related to the reduction and realignment of staff of $87,108 and (ii) a charge aggregating $24,860 recorded to compensation and benefits expense in connection with the accelerated vesting of restricted stock units related to the Company’s change in retirement policy. For the three month period ended March 31, 2009, special charge consists of the expenses related to the reduction and realignment of staff of $62,550.
(b) For the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, includes 662,015 and 993,024 weighted average shares, respectively, related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to acquisitions. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, includes 2,247,711 and 2,201,457 weighted average shares, respectively related to the Class A common stock that are issuable on a non-contingent basis with respect to the purchase of all outstanding LAM Equity units.
(c) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010 includes interest expense, net of tax, related to the convertible notes.
(d) Incremental issuable shares included if dilutive.
(e) For the three month period ended March 31, 2010 includes 7,293 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock. The rate of conversion into Class A common stock is dependent, in part, on the future value of the Class A common stock and currency exchange rates, therefore, the shares are excluded from the basic net income per share calculation but included in the diluted net income per share calculation.

 

- 16 -


LAZARD LTD

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT (“AUM”)

 

     As of    Variance  
     March 31,
2010
   December 31,
2009
   March 31,
2009
   1Q 2010 vs.
4Q 2009
    1Q 2010 vs.
1Q 2009
 
     ($ in millions)             

Equities

   $ 112,635    $ 106,603    $ 61,773    5.7   82.3

Fixed Income

     17,073      18,056      14,818    (5.4 )%    15.2

Alternative Investments

     4,297      3,936      2,805    9.2   53.2

Private Equity

     896      839      1,512    6.8   (40.7 )% 

Cash

     71      109      176    (34.9 )%    (59.7 )% 
                                 

Total AUM

   $ 134,972    $ 129,543    $ 81,084    4.2   66.5
                                 

 

                 Year  Ended
December 31,
2009
 
     Three Months Ended March 31,    
     2010     2009    
     ($ in millions)        

AUM - Beginning of Period

   $ 129,543      $ 91,109      $ 91,109   

Net Flows

     2,967        (2,447     10,253   

Acquisitions (dispositions)

     —          —          (831

Market and foreign exchange appreciation (depreciation)

     2,462        (7,578     29,012   
                        

AUM - End of Period (a)

   $ 134,972      $ 81,084      $ 129,543   
                        

Average AUM (b)

   $ 132,256      $ 86,097      $ 103,988   
                        

% Change in average AUM

     53.6    
            

 

(a) AUM as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 reflects $0.6 billion for both dates related to the 2009 third quarter acquisition of Edgewater management vehicles.
(b) Average AUM is based on an average of quarterly ending balances for the respective periods.

 

- 17 -